My review of the Ryder Cup 2025
This was my first Ryder Cup I actually watched and paid full attention to. Long story short, it was awesome. I'd heard from friends and the media that the Ryder Cup is the coolest and most competitive event in professional golf. I think it might be the best event in professional sports, given the unique format, the team element, the captains/roster dynamics, national pride, and alternating home course advantages.
Team Europe was able to win again this time around and retain the Cup by a score of 15-13. The US was in a giant hole heading into Sunday, but we made a furious rally in nearly all the singles matches to almost pull off the craziest upset in Ryder Cup history.
Here were my biggest takeaways as a first-time spectator and some things I'll remember from this event.
1. The insane level of golfing talent and ability
No shocker here as these are literally teams of the best golfers in the world. But the consistency and precision of everyone playing was really just something else. I don't recall anyone hitting a truly bad shot over the course of the weekend, and everyone, especially Team Europe on Fri. and Sat., were rolling putts in from all over the place. They made the game of golf look easy and effortless.
2. Match play + team format = more intense
I loved the match play and pairing sessions on Fri./Sat. The pairs hyped each other up, kept the mental focused, even in one instance helped the other read a putt. Best ball and alternate shot are just fun to play, and even more fun to watch great players play! Such a refreshing dynamic from the standard individual-sport characteristics that golf otherwise exhibits. Match play made every hole worth the same, good or bad. It eliminates the "blow up hole" risk in typical stroke play, plus it moves faster. It also creates more dramatic moments, e.g., making a long birdie putt to keep the match going or end it early.
3. Crowd energy and behavior
The crowds are loud and involved for the Ryder Cup. It's certainly a home and away atmosphere. That's great, golf needs that dynamic switch-up in that aspect, too. This year, however, based on the media reporting, it went too far in the "heckle the opponent" direction, especially with Rory McIlroy. Reports were saying people shouted obscene things about him and his family, throwing things, etc. Really bad look for American fans. It's also kind of puzzling, because Rory is one of the fan favorites on the PGA Tour. Do all these people just turn that part of themselves off for the weekend? Or they're just permanent Rory-haters who see their opportunity in this format? Either way, come on people. Root for your team harder than you heckle theirs.
4. Team USA tried to use the course to their advantage, it didn't really work
The course, Bethpage Black, cut all the grass on the course shorter so that, in theory, the longer hitters on Team USA would have an easier time with their "grip it and rip it" style of play. Obviously, that didn't seem to advantage Team USA at all. It might have even backfired, but I haven't seen any definitive stats on that come out yet.
5. Comeback potential
Like I said, Team USA almost pulled off a crazy comeback, despite Europe's outstanding Friday and Saturday that left TUSA in an historic hole. The tournament is set up that way, such that an incredible individual performance on Sunday could still turn the tide enough for a victory. I love that difference from most other golf tournaments too. Even the Majors are a straight 72 holes of golf. The pins move, but that's about it. The Ryder Cup format makes every day worth watching, even if your team is down big. That's great tournament design. Speaking of comebacks, hat tip to Bryson Dechambeau who was down 5 through 7 holes and still came back to tie and get a half-point split.
Who knows, Maybe the family and I will make the trip to Ireland for Ryder Cup 2027?